Erwin had been wandering the streets for hours now, following the ever-increasing trace of the scent that was the only thing that kept him sane and reminded him of why he was here.

He had woken up hours ago, strewn with his own sperm that had dried to a hard, firm crust and stuck to his skin and suit. It was downright disgusting.

He was furious with himself that he had let himself go like that.

A moment of weakness for an Alpha was enough to jeopardize his position and his life, and right now, on foreign territory, far from his home and his allies, his family, weakness was the last thing he could allow! He would have loved to slap himself if he didn't want to look perfect at all costs when he's going to meet his mate.

After taking a long shower and getting dressed, he took his suit to the nearest laundry, ignoring the questioning and slightly mischievous looks of the old man behind the counter.

Erwin was not in the mood to talk to anyone or act in any way.

He paid in advance, left the dry cleaners and immediately set off, always following his nose.

Of course, Erwin could have taken the subway or the bus back to where the trail was torn off last night, but he didn't.

He was back at his senses after last night and his mind was fully awake, ready for the task ahead of him. He hadn't eaten anything yet, because it was 5 am and every restaurant, diner, or bakery was closed, but that didn't diminish Erwin's zest for action in the slightest.

Holding his nose in the wind, Erwin followed his mate's slowly stronger growing fragrance.

Erwin walked securely and steadily through the streets of the city, which had no name for him, from the still lively downtown, where he had taken his hotel room.

Around him, Erwin vaguely noticed how the surroundings changed the more he moved away from his hotel. The city was big, huge almost, but Erwin hardly noticed how far or how long he was walking, only that the smell that guided him became stronger.

The further he moved from downtown, the streets became dirtier, the walls smeared with graffiti and partly broken windows in empty houses. He felt numerous looks resting on his person the further he went, curious, assessing, weighing the risk. Erwin knew that in this part of the city, dressed like a rich banker, he was actually more than out of place, but that didn't stop him.

With his back straightened, eyes wide open and looking straight ahead with wide-open eyes, Erwin radiated so much strength, power, and authority that none of the dodgy figures watching him from the shadows put their sinister thoughts into action. Erwin was always aware of the strange and hostile environment, and always ready to defend himself and even to kill, if necessary.

The street lamps were still burning brightly when the first pale light of the approaching day was already lighting up in the sky. The street gorge in which Erwin was walking made a clear view of the horizon impossible. The high apartment buildings on the left and right, the long, almost empty street, it was almost like home. The only thing he lacked was the view from his penthouse, but he would be back soon, and not alone. He was sure of that.

Nearby Erwin heard loud chants and cheers in a strong, drunken accent. The smell of alcohol was in the air and mingled with the one that had brought him here, but the sweet smell of his mate was stronger than ever before. He was close, he could feel it!

Erwin's wolf became more restless with every step he took, he felt him walking up and down like a caged wild animal in his head, eager to strike his teeth and claws into unsuspecting prey. Erwin's hands trembled at the approaching moment to finally see the one who was responsible for his restlessness and instinctive behavior in the past few weeks.

Euphoria, anticipation, and excitement flowed through his veins with every heartbeat, made him accelerate his pace so that the loud chants behind him became quieter. Erwin's heart was pounding like crazy as he approached a larger parking lot. From the distance, he saw pale light shimmering through the windows of a larger, single building that looked completely out of place compared to the others around it. Above the entrance was a sign illuminated by warm white neon tubes, which read 'The Den' in thick, dark letters.

A slight smile curled Erwin's lips as he read the sign and he shook his head slightly.

But just a moment later, a wave of his mate's fragrance blew into his nose, causing him to growl deep out of his throat. He was so close ...

The trail that had brought him here for weeks and which was now so strong that he could almost see it as a colored path with his inner eye, a bright, yet calming yellow, almost like that of the scarf he always carried with him, and that trail led straight to this building, which was obviously a bar. Without realizing it, Erwin suddenly stopped, not daring to move a single muscle while tasting the air, licking his lips greedily as his eyes were fixed on the bar.

Inside he saw shadowy figures scurrying around, some with cleaning utensils, others carrying large objects around as if they were cleaning up.

Erwin pushed back the sleeve of his jacket and glanced at his Rolex, slightly surprised that it was almost 6 in the morning.

Everything in him urged him to just kick the doors of this bar open and look for her, just take her, since she obviously was inside this building, he was sure of that. Erwin grinded his teeth, clenched his fists, and his breath quickened as if it was just before an exciting chase would begin.

Again and again, he admonished himself, blamed himself that he absolutely had to fucking keep calm now. He was in a foreign city, in the human world, and although his fated mate seemed to be a stone's throw away from him, only separated from him by the thin walls of this bar, he had to keep his cool.

Sooner or later they had to come out, and since bars only open at night, Erwin felt that the gates of this establishment would open soon so that his way and the view of HER were finally clear. Then he would finally see her, his sweetheart, his mate, and future Luna at his side.

Erwin leaned against the wall next to him, his eyes locked on the bar while he gazed at his Rolex almost every minute.

When he looked back at his watch for a brief moment, he suddenly saw movements from the corner of his eye, along with the sound of an opening door, the sound of steps, and a key that turned inside a lock. Erwin's eyes shot up like a flash, scanning the area, but his nose was faster.

Again the bright yellow trail appeared before his inner eye, watched it twist like the silky scarf in front of him, whirling and becoming stronger, more glaring until it finally stopped at a figure like the goddess of the moon itself in pure, glistening light that beamed just for him.

Erwin sucked the air sharply through his nose, inflated his lungs with the air that was now saturated with the fragrance of his loved one.

He didn't even notice that he had closed his eyes, all he saw in front of him was a figure of pure light, wrapped in the most beautiful scent this world had ever seen.

A feeling of deep happiness filled him, calmed his racing heart like the lullaby of a caring mother, and he felt like crying from happiness at any moment.

He fought hard and the overwhelming flood of emotions as he slowly opened his eyes. The glittering figure of light slowly disappeared and made room for the true colors of its surroundings.

When Erwin's eyes had finally got used to the dark, he looked at the bar where a pack of women had just left the building.

Just a quick look around and Erwin knew everything. Amid the group, he noticed a black-haired beauty, with the charisma of a queen, and the appearance of a true goddess.

Erwin's wolf howled with joy and pride. By the moon goddess, she was so beautiful, more beautiful than all the women he had ever had together. He had finally found her! And Erwin would never leave her side again.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

"Man ... what a night. You can clearly tell that the wages have been paid," moaned Lindsey, stretching her arms wide and arching her back. The tired joints and bones cracked free under the procedure and a long sigh of relief filled the large parking lot.

"Stop complaining. It wasn't for your disadvantage, was it? I am happy to remind you of the big bundle of money in your pocket. And mine. And Britneys- "

"Yes, yes, yes yes. It's good. Damn Lu, you can talk yourself out of any bad mood." Lindsey looked at Luna with blown cheeks and pouted lips as she tried desperately to hold back her grin. She looked almost like a puffer fish with constipation. Just a moment later, Luna and Lindsey burst out laughing until their tears came.

"Enough with fooling around, ladies. We're hungry, so let's go! " Jess interrupted the happy round and began to walk off.

"Aye, sir!" All women called from one mouth before they caught up with her.

As usual, little or no speech was made on the way to their diner to enjoy at least a moment of silence. Luna likes to use these quiet minutes to stretch her tired limbs and fill her lungs with reasonably clean air. After hours in the middle of cigarette smoke, alcoholic vapors and various body fluids, the cold and musty city air was more than welcome. But something was different today ...

Luna walked a few steps behind the others and was just about to stretch her neck when she suddenly felt startled.

With a quick movement she spun around, but there was nothing in the street behind her. Even when she stopped and looked at every nook and corner, she noticed nothing out of the ordinary.

"Lulu! Are you coming? We're not getting any younger here!" Britney called for Luna, who was still frozen and looking around aimlessly.

"Yes. Coming."

~ Hm ... maybe just imagination. It was a long night. ~

After she had caught up with her colleagues again, everyone went on towards the diner.

But even during the entire way until her goal finally came into view, Luna couldnt let go of the feeling.

Something, or someone, was there, she could feel it. She didn't know why just that something was there.

But even after several turns and unobtrusive looking around, there was nothing to be seen. It was spooky.

The situation was uncomfortable and oppressive, and even a tough and resolute person like Luna got cold feet there. A shiver ran down her spine before she turned and followed her colleagues into the diner, where Josh was already making fresh coffee. When he saw his favorite pack, his facial expressions changed from serious and tired to happy and wide awake. In less than 1 second ... a new record.

"There they are, my darlings! How was the night? Good Hunt?"

Josh threw the towel he's holding over his shoulder and came towards the women, arms wide open for a group hug, but as always, Jess left him starving halfway. All she had to do was put on her infamous "Don't you dare!" look. That was enough to neuter even the biggest and strongest guy on place. In a figurative sense, of course, but the effect was simply undeniable.

Josh stopped in the middle of the corridor between the counter and the seats, his hands now on his hips.

"Isn't it clear? Just as always. Why are you still asking? You should know by now that we are professionals. There is no such thing as an 'unsuccessful hunt'." Britney bragged as she pulled her thick bundle of money out of her pocket to proudly present it, even tossed it up in the air to catch it with a skillful grip.

Josh whistled impressed and nodded approvingly.

"Not bad, not bad, ladies. Then, of course, I hope you allow me a fair share of your loot today, you understand?" With a wink, he made room for the group and led them to their regular table, but when everyone passed the plump man, one lady was missing in his count, and he knew only too well who.

"Hey, sweetheart. What's wrong? Do you need a written invitation? Or should I carry you over the threshold?" Josh joked as he walked over to Luna, who was still rooted to the entrance, looking out as if she was waiting for someone.

"What? Oh sorry. I was lost in my thoughts." Luna woke up from her trance after Josh's heavy hand landed on her shoulder.

"Are you all right, sweetheart? You look ... absent. Are you upset? Who hurt my sweetheart? Which skull do I have to split? Just tell me the name and they'll disappear immediately!" Luna laughed softly and shook her head in disbelief. Sometimes this guy just overdid it with their joke.

"It's nothing, really. I just have the strange feeling of being watched, that's all. Not worth talking about." Luna downplayed the matter. In the end, it really wasn't a big deal. After all, it wasn't the first time that a man had been lying in wait for her after work and became palpable. That was one of the disadvantages of working in Jess' Bar with the job she likes to do there. And it wasn't the first time that a man learned from her that there is more than one way to let someone sing in soprano.

If there was something rightful about her feeling this time, this person would only be another "student" of her.

"Well, I'm really not surprised, girl! Did you take a look at yourself? You are a bomb! Oh, you cruel fate ... if I were only a few years younger... " This time Josh put his hand on his forehead as if he were playing the suffering diva. Even if he exaggerated again, he managed to conjure up a laugh in Luna's face with his little show.

She forgot her bad feeling for now and rejoined her friends, who were already waiting for her with the menu card in hand and the first hot cup of coffee.

For now, everything was as usual. The orders were quickly placed and after Luna had her long-desired coffee, the waitress brought the shot with vodka a little later to end another successful night with their ritual. While Luna could already smell her pancakes in the kitchen, her attention was suddenly distracted by something else. From someone.

She froze in place and Luna's neck hair stood up high, a shiver ran from her hairline down the entire spine and she felt her breathing become shallower, quieter, every fiber of her body tensed.

"Oh dang, ladies. It's that time again!" Sienna said in a joyful manner as she patted the arms of her neighbors furiously. All of her colleagues' eyes immediately landed on Luna before excitedly scanning the area until Lindsey, who was sitting with her face to the door, stopped the excited look around.

"Oh shit ..." she whispered.

"Oh god ... that bad?" Sienna asked incredulously before looking at Luna, who was still frozen.

"Do you want to know the truth?"

"Let me guess: he's ugly as fuck," Luna replied jokingly, even if she hoped it was true.

"Yes ... he looks scary. He is the twin-brother of Quasimodo." Everyone didn't seem to believe Lindsey's answer, because suddenly everyone turned as the bell over the front door rang to signal a new customer. The person who entered made every woman at this table, if not the whole diner, hitch her breath.

A tall man came in, blond hair, which was neatly combed to the side, which made the clean undercut with darker hair stand out even more, bright eyes as blue and pure as the ocean, tall, graceful, almost royal cheekbones and a jaw so angular and masculine that it itched your fingers to fondle it. He was wearing an apparently expensive suit in dark blue with a white shirt beneath and black lace-up shoes, but even this couldn't hide in the slightest what was hidden beneath the fabric: broad shoulders, a chest so ripped that the white shirt was about to rip apart any moment under the tension of the muscles. Long, strong legs that carried the impressive torso and a thick biceps to melt for. A collective sigh escaped the group of women as they enjoyed the view and stared at the guest who had just entered. Luna couldn't look away either.

She knew that the man who would appear here was handsome but SO handsome?

It was a strange gift that Luna had. To feel when an exceptional specimen of a man was nearby and to react to it. It felt like someone was stroking her skin with a feather. She didn't know why or for what reason she could feel or react like this, but she didn't care.

She accepted this strange ability in itself and used it to her advantage to get to know potential partners. It hasn't worked until now, but you never know.

Unfortunately, her colleagues quickly got hint of her ability too and did the same. Just like now...

"Please pinch me, I think I'm dreaming." Britney broke the silence first, followed by a loud whine when Jess actually pinched her arm.

Luna rolled her eyes and turned back. It was clear that this man (and goddamn, what a man!) caught the attention of every woman inside Josh's diner.

Not that Luna didn't imagine any chances for herself, it just wasn't her nature to fight with other women for a man. That was below her dignity and her pride was sacred to her. If the others thought they had to pull their hair and scratch their eyes out just to show off what a fucking hot guy they have, then Luna would stay out of it.

As if on cue, Britney rose first from her seat after rubbing the painful area on your arm enough.

"All right, ladies. I'm off. See you tonight, maybe. " She said confidently and already turned.

"Hey wait a minute! Who allowed you to go first? " Lindsey was more than 'not amused' that Britney wanted to take the first bite as so often and was determined not to stay behind this time.

"Your own fault. If you come too late, the dogs will bite. I'll tell you how he was tonight." Luna clicked her tongue mockingly and rolled her eyes again. Britney's arrogance has always been a big thorn in Luna's eye. She even reeked from it.

If there's one thing Luna doesn't like, it's arrogance. To be able to have that repulsive self-assuredness of everything and everyone at any time of the day or night without wasting a thought on how others feel about it, regardless of that went against her grain. No empathy, no consideration. It was just inhuman and disgusting, and absolutely not Luna's cup of tea.

"Have fun and don't let your extensions be torn out." Luna deadpanned, stirring the coffee languidly with her spoon.

"Envious? I can understand. Finally, I can lay my hands on a hot guy before you could! Look closely, you might be able to learn a thing or two. It's Britney-time now! "

Luna watched her walk straight to the handsome man's table with swaying hips, casually tossing her hair back and surely putting on her stupid, confident grin. For a brief moment, Luna's eyes locked with those of the blond-haired man and again, she felt that strange feeling from before, but this time, stronger.

"...."

Startled, Luna flinched and looked around frantically. It was as if someone had called her, but the diner wasn't exactly full and no one outside the window could have called her.

"Strange..."

"Everything okay, Lu?" Jess asked when she noticed her sudden confusion.

"There is nothing. I thought someone called me, but that was just imagination. "

"You should go home and have a helping of sleep. You probably need that after last night." Michelle added, who had kept herself out of the argument about the hot man until now. Maybe because she is already happily engaged.

"Yes, it seems so. I'll start after breakfast. "

"Uhm ... ladies? As interesting as Luna's delusions are, but have a look who's coming back with his tail between their legs." Lindsey grinned so widely and cheeky that it was contagious, and when Britney suddenly sat down again, face as if her dog had just died, no one could hold back at the table.

Virtually everyone burst out laughing and patted Britney's shoulder. Britney herself, however ... didn't feel like laughing.

"So Brit ... I'm not sure, but what exactly have I learned from you?" Luna couldn't help but tease her for her snootiness. She deserved that damper.

"Pfff. Just shut up. As if it's not enough that you steal away the show at work, now you steal my men too. "

"You can quit if it doesn't suit you. And how was that meant that I steal the men from you? I never did and never will, that's not my thing, YOU should know that better than anyone else. " Luna rebuked her colleague, who was still looking at her with a toxic glare.

"Oh yes? And why did the hot thing over there politely refused my invitation and asked for you in the same breath? "

"Oooooohhhhhhhh~ " Female voices joined together in a chanting chorus from around Luna. Who suddenly sat there like ordered and not picked up.

"Please what? After me? How? ... Why? "

"Who fucking cares?! Just go there! Do not miss this chance." Now Jess and Lindsey encouraged her too, and Luna actually thought about it ...

Should she really go over there? There was that feeling what said "Yes, do it!" but on the other hand ... there was something strange about this man.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Josh brought their breakfast, and with it, also Luna's warm, steaming pancakes, generously decorated with strawberries, banana slices, cream, maple syrup, and chocolate sauce. Luna's heart immediately jumped happily at the sight.

"You keep surprising me, Josh. How do you always do that? "

"You know, nothing is too bad or impossible for my favorite sweetheart." He replied and patted her cheek lovingly, and immediately after Josh did this, she felt a pair of glowing eyes boring into her back. Startled, she turned around only to see how that blond, handsome man was looking over at her, fixing her.

No, stop ... his eyes were all locked on Josh!

Good God, if looks could kill, Josh would have dropped dead instantly and gone straight to hell.

Pure anger burned in those blue eyes that previously looked so gentle and loving, but were now disfigured with fury. The previously beautiful, pure blue had darkened into the deep, threatening and the all-consuming dark blue of the angry and raging sea and threatened to drown everything and everyone in here.

"What the hell is his problem?" Luna muttered to herself and turned back. What the hell was that about?

Josh didn't seem to have noticed, because after he brought all the other plates, he disappeared into the kitchen with his happy grin.

"And Luna? What is now? Are you going over there? " Sienna asked, and Luna thought for a moment. Should she really go over there? After the action from just now?

Oh, fuck it!

"I think yes. But after breakfast! It would be a shame to let this get cold here. "

"That's right! First a strengthening and then in the fight. That's how you do it!" Lindsey and Sienna were all fired up and full in cheerleading mode when they cheered Luna on to seize the opportunity.

"But before that, something is missing ..." Jess interrupted the chatter and had already raised her shot glass with vodka in hand and to toast.

"It was again a successful hunt my dear predators. The next one should be at least as successful. Let us eat and gather new strength so that we can do it. What are we?!"

"SHE-WOLVES! AWOOOOOO! "

After the ritual was done, the vodka tumbled down and everyone finally began to eat, Luna couldn't forget about the blonde man. Not what he would think of the show that she and her colleagues pull off here every morning. In truth, she couldn't care less, but what interested her was how he had suddenly changed so much. What did that mean?

That hateful look at Josh even though he hadn't done anything ... It was strange, but Luna would get to the bottom of it.

Her friends were busy chatting around her. Britney even made bets whether Luna would make the Blonde clear or if he would dump her afterward. It ended up 2 against 3, only Britney and Michelle voted against it. Michelle only because she thought they didn't fit together. Luna didn't blame her, but she blamed Britney. The stupid bitch would do anything to tease Luna at every fitting opportunity. It is truly a miracle that the two haven't shred themselves into pieces yet.

After Jess had collected the pot and the laughter at the table had stopped, and after Luna had finally eaten her breakfast, which, incidentally, she could not really enjoy, the moment of truth came.

"So Lu, how's it going?" Jess grinned mischievously and rolled the thick bundle of money in her hand.

"Yeah, it's good. I'm going. Wish me luck." Luna took a deep breath and got up from her seat. As soon as she turned, her eyes met those of the blond-haired once again. He didn't seem to have taken his eyes off her for a second all the time, and this realization caused a shiver to run down her back.

There was something wrong with this man. There was something about him that confused her, but she couldn't say why or what exactly. Not yet.

Whatever may develop from this, Luna was at least willing to take the adventure and was curious about what would happen.

At least she could go on a date or two, right? At least as long as she knew why this man was so strange and had such an effect on her.

So Luna put on her prettiest smile and casually strode over to the table of the handsome stranger. A seductive smile adorned his soft lips and his gaze was slightly lowered, but without missing a single movement from Luna. It was almost as if he wanted to undress her bit by bit with his intense gaze. Her heart was racing in her chest at the thought of standing in front of him in nothing but her bare skin, even if she couldn't understand why she suddenly had such thoughts. She became very hot the closer she came to his table and she fought hard not to show any sign and hoped that no one would notice what turmoil was going on inside her.

With slightly trembling legs and her heart pounding wildly, she finally reached her destination and took the seat opposite the fair-haired man. She crossed her legs and leaned back, withstanding the intense and passionate look of the Unknown one. As soon as their eyes locked, another shiver crept down her whole back, covering her arms and legs with goosebumps all over and made her shiver.

"...."

Luna startled again and looked around. Once more she felt as if someone had called for her, but as before, there was no one inside or outside to see or hear. It was like some strange kind of magic, or she was just extremely tired and already hallucinating.

"I knew you'd come..." Suddenly she heard from across the table. A voice so deep and gentle, so melodic and masculine that it caused every single hair on her body to stand up. It took all her strength not to sigh dreamily whether this wonderful sound was still echoing in her ears.

But what had he just said? He knew it?

"What do you mean? You speak as if we have met before." And there it was again, that sexy voice, so velvety, deep, low and soft at the same time, laced with warmth, that it does something to Luna, even though she didn't want it.

"You don't know me yet, but I've known you for a while. And I'm overjoyed to finally have found you. It won't be long before you know me as well as I know you. "

Pardon?! What the hell is that guy talking about???

"I think you are confusing me, sir. I've never seen you before in life. "

"Erwin."

"What?"

"My name. You can call me as one among few by my name. Erwin Smith. Actually ... you can call me whatever you want." He clasped his fingers and rested his chin seductively on it, not taking his eyes off Luna for a second.

The longer she spoke to this man, the scarier he got. What is he talking about?

"Listen, Erwin ... I don't know what this game is, but I don't know you and frankly-"

"It doesn't matter at all. You will have enough time to get to know me as soon as you come with me. "

"Wait what?"